Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise Studios Seeing Generational Changes in Ownership

The American entrepreneurial dream our founder had 90 years ago is going strong as our longtime legacy owners turn the reins over to the next generation

Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise is a legendary brand with many owners in the business for decades. It’s proof that our brand successfully adapts through changing times. Today, as we celebrate 90 years of Merle Norman, our brand is as relevant as ever, garnering rankings from prestigious franchise industry rankings like Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and awards from top beauty and style publications like Allure. A new wave of owners is seeing the bright future with our skincare and makeup franchise in a booming industry.

Merle Norman Cosmetics is an iconic American brand that attracts business owners with a passion for community and helping others. Founded by pioneering businesswoman Merle Norman from her kitchen, our products are still manufactured in the same Westchester, California, plant built by Norman herself in 1952. With longtime owners eyeing retirement, there are many resale opportunities within our brand that offer an excellent pathway to purchase an existing studio with an already established customer base.

Merle Norman owners take pride in connecting with their local communities. Take Jill Williams, owner of a Merle Norman studio in Richmond, Kentucky, and recipient of a Small Business of the Year award in 2018. Jill and her husband purchased the franchise, which was originally opened in 1963, in 2017. They are active in numerous community events, including Richmond’s annual breast cancer awareness event, Paint the Town Pink, Richmond Area Arts Council, and Liberty Place Recovery Center. Jill’s Merle Norman location even features a wig boutique for local cancer patients. She’s just one of many Merle Norman owners creating priceless connections in communities nationwide. This brand loyalty and connection, along with support from the home office team, help new owners hit the ground running when they open their doors.

“We really work hard behind the scenes for owners, trying to make running a business easier for them, simpler for them, and ideally, something that’s fun for them,” says Beth Butler, Director of Franchise Development for Merle Norman Cosmetics. “We hope our efforts allow them the time, freedom, and ability to be on the sales floor sharing the products and conveying to their customers what would help them look and feel better and why they became a Merle Norman Cosmetics studio owner. We really want potential franchisees to know that you won’t be alone in this business.”

The recent pandemic prompted many younger people to consider an entrepreneurial path for their careers. For the next generation of entrepreneurs passionate about skincare and beauty, Merle Norman is a rewarding business with high-quality, affordable skin care products, and services.

Merle Norman is an opportunity own and operate a modern cosmetics studio with proven products

Becoming a Merle Norman franchisee means owning and operating a modern cosmetics studio with products from an iconic brand. Whether your studio is in a busy shopping center or a stand-alone in a small town, the business is easy to run and easy to scale. We set you up for success in every possible way. In addition to the affordability and flexibility of being a franchise owner, we assist you with best business practices, training, and marketing.

Retail or cosmetics experience is not necessary to be a Merle Norman franchisee. We train our owners in every area to be an expert beauty consultant and business owner. With our comprehensive artistry training program, it’s easy to learn how to apply our products like a pro. While our studios are offering time-tested products, we have modernized them to meet the demands of today’s customer.

Merle Norman is also an affordable investment. We offer a wide variety of studio options at different investment price points, starting at $37,671 with no franchise or royalty fee. We are also committed to ongoing franchise support and offer many free marketing and promotional tools, including free products for demonstration, and a 60% reimbursement program for local marketing and advertising costs.

The beauty industry was booming at $532 billion before the recent pandemic and demand is expected to continue to rise, with many consumers gravitating toward American brands. The next generation of Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio owners is ready to meet this consumer demand.

Ready to open a Merle Norman Cosmetics studio in your community?

Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise is poised for growth throughout the country. Extended to entrepreneurs beginning in 1931, then by Merle Norman herself, our franchise opportunity gives franchisees personal and professional fulfillment as Merle Norman Cosmetics studio owners. Fill out an inquiry form to learn more.